Wolves: Hoiberg to visit PistonsLast update: March 07, 2006 ? 12:21 AMPrinter friendly E-mail this story Fred Hoiberg had an aneurysm in his aortic root corrected and has worked out with a goal of resuming his NBA career, either this spring or next season.

JEFF WHEELER, STAR TRIBUNE

Wolves: Hoiberg to visit Pistons

Fred Hoiberg, a Wolves special assistant while rehabbing from major heart surgery in June, will head to Detroit tonight to meet with the Pistons about a possible roster spot for what's left of the season and the playoffs. Hoiberg, who played two seasons for the Wolves, had an aneurysm in his aortic root corrected and has worked out with a goal of resuming his NBA career, either this spring or next season.The Pistons would be a logical destination, given his familiarity with former Wolves coach Flip Saunders' system (and vice versa). They also are expected to have a long playoff run, which could enable Hoiberg to get comfortable and into proper game shape.

"I'm going to meet with Flip and [Pistons president] Joe Dumars," Hoiberg said. "Nothing's for sure. I want to find out if it's a situation that would make sense."

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March 7th, 2006, 3:01 pm

wjb21ndtown

What's equally weird is Joe D seems ecstatic to get him??? They were talking about it on 97.1 and talking about what a great signing it would be... I really don't see why.. what's the most points the guy has ever averaged... 9ish??? And who do we lose off of the roster to sign him? Certainly not Evans or Delfino... Maybe flip knows him really well and thinks he's a great defender, clutch player, and role player??? I really don't see the huge upside the Pistons brass and local media see in him?....

March 7th, 2006, 3:10 pm

pumpkinhead97

Pop Warner Allstar

Joined: May 11th, 2005, 12:59 pmPosts: 158Location: Flint

wjb21ndtown wrote:

What's equally weird is Joe D seems ecstatic to get him??? They were talking about it on 97.1 and talking about what a great signing it would be... I really don't see why.. what's the most points the guy has ever averaged... 9ish??? And who do we lose off of the roster to sign him? Certainly not Evans or Delfino... Maybe flip knows him really well and thinks he's a great defender, clutch player, and role player??? I really don't see the huge upside the Pistons brass and local media see in him?....

There's always a job in the league for a pure shooter. Look at how long people like Chris Whitney stayed around, or Steve Kerr(who could also pass and was a smart player). He's a solid pro.

We don't get rid of Evans or Delfino...I know even less about the cap rules of the NBA than I do the NFL, but we are planning on dumping/not resigning Cato after this season to create more available $$$ for Chauncey and Ben's respective extensions. Or, they could designate Maxiell to the D-League, which I read the other day that they don't want to do.

He visited here first when he got medical clearance because of his relationship with Flip and he feels he could help us...obviously Joe does too or it would be a dead issue already. I don't think it will happen due to our roster circumstances and the fact that IF we can get Cato healthy, we can use him as a big body in the playoffs against Shaq.

March 9th, 2006, 1:10 pm

theAlphaMale

Site Admin

Joined: August 6th, 2004, 1:25 amPosts: 4920Location: Hills of Auburn

Quote:

Or, they could designate Maxiell to the D-League, which I read the other day that they don't want to do

That's what I imagine if they do want him they will do. He never see's the light of day anyways of the bench.

_________________Regards, Alpha|Lionbacker.com \(^o^)/"I date this girl for two years and then the nagging starts: I wanna know your name..." - Mike Binder

March 9th, 2006, 1:13 pm

wjb21ndtown

pumpkinhead97 wrote:

There's always a job in the league for a pure shooter. Look at how long people like Chris Whitney stayed around, or Steve Kerr(who could also pass and was a smart player). He's a solid pro.

A "pure shooter" that averages about 6 points per game on his career and never over 10... ... I understand your logic, and I'm not faulting you for it... I just don't agree with it or the teams philosophy regarding this guy...

pumpkinhead97 wrote:

We don't get rid of Evans or Delfino...I know even less about the cap rules of the NBA than I do the NFL, but we are planning on dumping/not resigning Cato after this season to create more available $$$ for Chauncey and Ben's respective extensions. Or, they could designate Maxiell to the D-League, which I read the other day that they don't want to do.

Great... another first round draft pick down the tubes... I know it isn't imminent as of yet, but I wish we would just trade our first round picks... People thought I was nuts for wanting to trade first round pick(s) for Mike James... but damn.. what do we get out of our first round guys? NOTHING... We don't have room for them...

March 9th, 2006, 2:09 pm

TADOne

Play by Play Announcer - Al Michaels

Joined: April 27th, 2005, 3:26 pmPosts: 1776

Quote:

Great... another first round draft pick down the tubes... I know it isn't imminent as of yet, but I wish we would just trade our first round picks... People thought I was nuts for wanting to trade first round pick(s) for Mike James... but damn.. what do we get out of our first round guys? NOTHING... We don't have room for them...

LOL! Now wjb, I really don't think our 1st round picks are being wasted. Understand we have the best starting five in the league and none of our starters have been injured all year.

You have to understand that Maxiell was the 26th pick in the draft, and not many players picked outside the lottery get playing time in their 1st season. And a lot of 2nd round picks don't even make most rosters.

The reason you leave room on the roster for these players is because you may have a diamond in the rough like a Ginobili, Okur, Arenas, or Delfino.

_________________Regards,

Tim

March 9th, 2006, 4:09 pm

DMorgan

Div 1 - Starter

Joined: January 10th, 2006, 6:08 pmPosts: 531

I wouldnt mind the signing. He's solid comming off the bench. he doesnt need to come here and play 10 mpg. He's just gonna come in hit a few shots, and sit down. Whatever Dumars does, im not opposed to it. He's one of the best GMs in all of sports...well his drafting hasnt been great, but as far as trading and signing free agents he's one of the best.